Browsing Category

Beauty Favorites

Beauty Favorites Skincare

Best in Skincare at Sephora

April 17, 2023

Best Skincare to Shop at Sephora: La Mer, Kate Somerville, Drunk Elephant

Rounding up my favorites in skincare at Sephora for their Spring Savings Event Sale! My skin has improved so much over the past few weeks and I think it’s due to the shift in weather. Warmer temperatures are better for my skin and I’ve noticed that it’s more balanced and less dry these days. I’ve put together a list of my Top 5 in each category right now. For the Sephora Sale use code SAVENOW. Savings and access dates will depend on your Beauty Insider Tier:

  • 4/14-4/24: Rouge Early Access: 20% off
  • 4/18-4/24: VIB Preferred Access: 15% off
  • 4/18-4/24: All Tiers: 10% off
  • 30% off Sephora Collection for everyone

BEST CLEANSERS

Best Cleanser Kiehl's La Mer Dior Dermalogica

The cleanser category is one that I love exploring the most. I think the key to my best skin is to properly cleanse it. A lot of skincare and makeup with silicones are often hard to remove so double cleansing is a must to ensure you remove every last trace. These are cleansers I love:

If you have dry skin the best cleanser for Dry/Sensitive Skin is a cream one like the Kate Somerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser or Goat Milk Cleanser.

Best Makeup Removers / Oils / Balms

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm with Charcoal

I love to double cleanse and my favorite removers at Sephora include:

TONERS

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and Toner

There are two toners I use available at Sephora.

SERUMS & MASKS

Drunk Elephant Skincare Favorites Protini Polypeptide Cream and Serum

I typically stick with just one moisturizer on my face for day except on dry skin days. I’ll add a serum as more of a treatment to target skin issues like when it’s feeling extra irritated, extra dry or needs some soothing.

MOISTURIZERS

La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, The Concentrate and The Eye Concentrate

So many great moisturizers these days. I rotate formulas depending on season. Here are my favorites and why:

EYE CREAM

Biossance Beauty Favorites

I started using Eye Creams more in the last two years and here are my three favorites:

BEST SUNSCREENS

Shiseido Sunscreen Favorites

I’m incredibly picky when it comes to sunscreen I’ll use on a regular basis. As a beauty blogger I try a lot of formulas but so many irritate my skin. Two brands I swear by are Shiseido and Supergoop!. There are so many new formulas I have not tried them all – but here are a few favorites right now. Bottom line is I don’t think you can go wrong with anything from these two brands.

LIP BALMS

The best lip balms I’ve tried from Sephora:

That wraps up my Skincare Favorites! I know I covered a lot but I wanted to be thorough! Let me know if you have any questions! I’m hosting another giveaway! One reader (US or Canada only) will be selected to win a Surprise Box of beauty goodies. I have so many extras I want to pass them along to another beauty lover. I’ve included 20+ full size items along with a bunch of fun minis.

To enter:

  • Open to Residents in US or Canada
  • You must be 18 years or older
  • Enter via the widget below
  • Winner will be selected on 4/21 and emailed same day by me
  • Selected winner must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be selected in their place
  • Not sponsored or affiliated

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

March 16, 2023

10 Things I'm Loving Right Now

Happy Thursday! Rounding up some things I’ve been loving so much I wanted to put them on your beauty radar.

Dior Solar Oil

I’ve been obsessed with finding new body care items and have two new favorites. Dior Beauty just launched new items in their Solar Collection. In the US we have three items and I ordered the Solar Sublimating Oil ($70) which is a stunning glittery shimmery body oil. It smells like a sweet tiare flower – similar to the NARS Body Glow Oil but not as strong or sweet. The Dior Solar Oil is like a vacation bottled up in the most beautiful oil with four different pearl particles of bronze, copper, gold and white. Shimmer is subtle on my skin as the sparkles seem to match my skin tone. It absorbs nicely into the skin and leaves it feeling very smooth.

The glitter sparkles settle to the bottom half of the bottle. You will need to shake it up to mix up the glitters.

On me it’s somewhere in between a super emollient oil and one that has a dry down. It’s not super oily as it sets but it is still emollient if that makes sense. I just ordered the After-Sun Balm ($52).

Dior Solar Sublimating Oil

Dior Solar Body Oil

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

Charlotte Tilbury launched her new Magic Body Cream ($65) and as a huge fan of her Magic Cream for the face I ordered it immediately. I shared a sneak peek on stories and I absolutely love it. It’s a really nice smoothing body cream with a silky smooth dry-down. I wouldn’t say that it has a fragrance but it has a similar scent/vibe to the Magic Cream. Also available in a smaller Travel Size* ($30) which is incredibly expensive for the size but I will be keeping with me in my purse at all times.

Phlur Newness

Phlur Solar Power Perfume

Phlur added a new scent called Solar Power* ($96) and it’s another winner. As a citrus perfume lover this is HUGE hit for me. I think the Phlur scents just keep getting better and better. This might just be my favorite in the line and one I will definitely be wearing non-stop. Solar Power is a warm floral citrus. It has a mix of neroli, jasmine, orange flower, musk, driftwood, sea salt. All of my favorite notes. Available at Phlur and Sephora.

Hair Oil Love

For the hair I received a few samples from the Virtue Haircare line and have been really impressed. I’m adding a bunch of items to my online shopping cart for the upcoming Sephora sale. I tried the Virtue Healing Hair Oil* ($26 to $44) and am obsessed. This is one of the best hair oils I’ve tried It comes with a small stopper at the top to control how much you dispense. It’s hydrating, not heavy, has really helped with my split ends. Give the hair a healthy shine and doesn’t weigh it down. You can also buy both the Full + Travel Size in the Hair Oil Duo for $49.

Glowy Sunscreen

So many of you ask for sunscreen recommendations and I’m due for an updated roundup. I have am really sensitive to sunscreens and it doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s chemical or mineral but I have loved pretty much everything from Supergoop! especially their Glowscreen which now comes in four colors. The team sent over a restock of their original shade Sunrise* (champagne) and Golden Hour* (bronze). I just started using Golden Hour and it gives me the perfect sunkissed glow. I love it for a bit of a bronzed glow for beach days. Also still love the Glow Screen Body.

Supergoop! Glowscreen Golden Hour

Supergoop! Glowscreen Golden Hour

Lip Favorites

Dior Lip Maximizers Shimmer Macadamia and Rose Nude

For the lips I’ve still been loving the Dior Addict Lip Maximizers (reviewed and swatched here). I love pretty much every single color but my two most-worn shades are 14 Shimmer Macadamia and 38 Rose Nude.

Sisley added a new shade of Phyto-Rouge Shine in 13 Sheer Beverly Hills ($63, Neiman Marcus Exclusive). This formula is hands down the best shine lipstick formula I’ve tried. Other shades reviewed and swatched here. Beverly Hills is a beautiful light beige. Love that it’s hydrating, adds shine, has good coverage even though it has “sheer” in the name.

Sisley Phyto Rouge Shine Sheer Beverly Hills

Sisley Phyto Rouge Shine Sheer Beverly Hills

NYX Lip Pencils and Butter Gloss

For some budget beauty finds I’ve been loving quite a few things I’ve hauled from Target and Ulta Beauty. NYX comes highly recommended by many of you. I’ve loved the Lip Pencil in Natural and recently hauled a few more shades in Nude Pink, Peekaboo Neutral and Brunch Me. Love them for a naturally defined lip.

The NYX Butter Glosses have also been pure love. They don’t have the best lasting power on me but I love the colors and don’t mind reapplying. Formula is very comfortable on the lips.

Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter Shade 4 and 3

Last but not least I tried the viral ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter and it’s really good. I wouldn’t call it a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter since the ELF ones aren’t as glowy. I can wear the Elf Halo Glow all over the face as a glowy base with sheer-medium coverage and then set with powder. Or I’ll use it under foundation. I’m in between Shades 3 and 4 so I mix the two. You can see Shade 3 in action here. I think it’s 100% worth checking out.

 

That wraps up my favorites right now! What have you been loving lately?

Shop the Post

 

 

Press samples indicated with a * next to them.

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

January Favorites Roundup

February 2, 2023

January Favorites

Rounding up my favorites for the month of January! I have a mix of beauty and a few other favorites I’ve been loving. I have my Top 10 in beauty and Top 5 in fashion/accessories.

The biggest hit in January was Ollie! He turned 1 year old on the 21st and I cannot believe how fast time has flown with this little fluff ball in our life. We are so happy to have him. We think he’s full grown now at 21.5 pounds but some say they keep growing past the 1 year mark.

Ollie Cavapoo Turns 1 Year Old

Ollie Cavapoo Turns 1 Year Old

This month’s top 10 beauty favorites include:

Dior Addict Lip Maximizers and Bobbi Brown Plumping Lip Serum

Dior Addict Lip Maximizers ($40) are of course in this month’s favorites. I’ve been wearing Rose Nude 38 the most this month. All the swatches in this blog post here.

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Hydrating Lip Serum ($35) for lip balm. This comes in one color Bare Pink which is a shiny milky pink that goes on clear. Feels ultra smooth, cushiony and hydrating. It has a very subtle citrus kind of scent to it. I do think it’s a little pricey for what you get but I’ve been really enjoying the formula.

Celine Eau de Parfum Parade

Celine Parade Eau de Parfum ($255 for 3.4 fl oz, also available in a travel refill vial size) is the scent of the month. I love all things citrus and this one is pure love for me. A look at 10 of the scents in this Celine Fragrance Review roundup.

Balmain Hair Couture Clips in Medium

Balmain Hair Couture Hair Clips ($89 to $114) are quite the splurge but I really love the ones I ordered. I have a couple different sizes including the small and medium (ones shown). They’re pretty sturdy and well made. If you’ve been looking for them they are restocked at Saks in both the White Medium, Tortoise Medium (and some other sizes too).

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Compact in Nude

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Foundation ($139, comes with a refill) is a rediscovered favorite this month. I love how it melts right into the skin to look like skin but better. I use the Shade Nude right now. In summer I also wear Wheat.

Static Nails in Milky Pink

Static Nails in Milky Pink ($16) so many of you have told me to try Static Nails for over a year and I finally did. I love both Mademoiselle and Milky Pink for that sheer jelly pink. They’re easy to apply and there’s no streaking. I can use 2 or 3 coats to get smooth sheer pink perfection.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black

L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara ($10.99 at Target) was a recent impulse buy. I can never resist checking out the new mascara launches while at Target! I really liked the original Telescopic Mascara (in the gold tube) because the ultra skinny wand grips all of my lashes. I picked up Carbon Black which is deeper and slightly more thickening on me. I really love it. (Wearing Olive and June Quick Dry Polish in Picante on the nails.)

Lawless Forget the Filler Winter Beach Set

Lawless Forget the Filler Winter Beach Set

Lawless Forget the Filler Winter Beach Set ($27) has 3 minis of the Forget the Filler Lip Gloss in Bitten, Blushed Sand and Rose Pearl. The shades are so beautiful and I wish they were permanent. I rarely buy backups these days but I bought an extra set because the set is limited-edition. I love the tones and think they wear nicely alone or layered on top of a lipliner.

Tarte Maneater Blush in Coral

Tarte Maneater Blush in Coral ($27) is a favorite for the second month in a row. I really like the liquid blush formula because it has a nice dry down. There’s a bit of shimmer to these so it’s almost like a blush and highlighter in one. There are several shades to choose from, I hope they keep launching these in more shades!

NARS Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette ($49) made my favorites this month. I love the colors and have been reaching for it a lot. I did just order the new Pat McGrath Love Collection palettes though which look beautiful if you’re looking for something newer. Review coming soon. I’ll let you know if any of those palettes top the NARS one.

NARS Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette

I have quite a few new things in the non-beauty category that I’ve been loving this month. I might do a more detailed review on some of them in an upcoming post but here’s my Top 5 Edit – 3 different sneakers, 1 new bag and 1 new wallet.

New Balance Sneakers 327 and 574

You girls know I love APL sneakers. I’ve been wearing them almost exclusively for the past several years but recently tried New Balance sneakers last fall and absolutely love them. They run true to size for me. I’m a 6.5 and wear the New Balance in a 6.5. I’ve tried two styles so far and love the 574 Sneaker in Nimbus Cloud/White and Grey/White. I even bought a pair for Andrew and he really likes them.

The New Balance 327 style is the one I tried after seeing it on Instagram. I bought the Sea Salt and Sea Salt with Black and also love these. The neutrals seem to be the most popular and sell out quick but I’ve seen them restock at New Balance, Free People and Jcrew to name a few places.

Loewe Small Puzzle in Grained Sand

Loewe Small Puzzle was a holiday treat over Christmas. I have the Mini Puzzle which I really love and use all the time. I had my eye on the Small which is larger, comes with an adjustable strap and is more practical. It can hold more and I like that the strap allows you to wear it over the shoulder or as a cross body. I bought it in the grained leather which softens and has more of a slouch as it wears over time. I purchased mine from the Loewe store but you can also find this style at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Net-A-Porter.

Loewe Small Vertical Wallet

Loewe Anagram Small Vertical Wallet was another splurge. I really love my other card case in the pink shade (exact style has been discontinued) but wanted something a little bigger but still small enough to fit in my mini bags. I’ve looked at several beautiful options from other brands but they ended up being too thick/bulky. This one from Loewe (shade is Nude) is perfect.

Shop My Favorites

 

That wraps up my January favorites! What did you love this past month?

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Self-Care Favorites I’m Loving Right Now

January 18, 2023

Self Care Beauty Favorites from Nordstrom

Happy Wednesday! Sharing an updated self-care roundup today with some favorites to unwind and relax at the end of the day. I’m still in that new year reset and refresh mindset. It’s super dry this time of year and my lips and hands definitely feel it! Here are some things I’ve been loving lately from Nordstrom for my nightly beauty ritual.

Self Care Beauty Favorites from Nordstrom

I just restocked one of my favorite body washes which is the Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser. It’s been a staple for as long as I can remember. It’s a citrus mix of mandarin rind, bergamot and geranium leaf – all of my favorites. Definitely unisex (Andrew loves it too).

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

The Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub is also great but right now I’m loving the Kate Somerville Exfolikate Body Scrub. It’s a great one to smooth and brighten the skin. Helps get rid of dead skin and even though it has a mix of physical and chemical exfoliants it doesn’t dry out the skin. I use it 1-2x per week.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle

For the ultimate relaxing scent I think the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle is one of the best to create an at-home spa like vibe. It’s one of the most potent candle scents I’ve ever burned. I also love the Lime Basil & Mandarin Room Spray which is really nice to layer with the candle.

Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm

Favorite Clear Lip Balms U Beauty, La Mer and Too Faced

For lip balms I have three go-to’s right now for clear lip treatments. I keep these in my nightstand and apply right before I go to sleep. The Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm comes in a clear version and tinted options. It really does feel like a pillow cushion for the lips.

If you are willing to splurge the La Mer Lip Volumizer or U Beauty Lip Plasma are also excellent. The La Mer is formulated to be a lip plumper but I use it as a regular balm. Both are smooth and non-sticky.

Skincare Favorites La Mer, Fresh and Sisley

For the skin I did a skincare roundup last week if you want some more details on my routine. I really love the La Mer Cleansing Foam for a cleanser that leaves the skin squeaky clean but still well hydrated. A number of you asked for recommendations on the best face scrub and the best gentle option I’ve tried is the Fresh Sugar Face Polish. It has a hydrating finish and the scrub particles melt into the skin as you massage it.

The best lightweight face mist I’ve tried is the Sisley Floral Spray Mist. Quite the splurge but there’s really nothing like it that has that superfine mist dispenser and lightweigh refreshing feel. I also love the La Mer Facial Mist Spray and everything from Omorovicza too.

Necessaire Body Oil and Jo Malone Vitamin E Hand Cream

Last but not least I have to give another shout out for the Jo Malone Vitamin E Hand Lotion and Necessaire Body Oil. This dry season has taken its toll on my skin. Both of these have been in heavy rotation and I would call these must-haves for dry skin savers.

You can find all of these at Nordstrom. Let me know what your favorite self-care items are! I’m currently looking for a new face oil to try – let me know if you have a favorite!

Shop the Post

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Home / Interiors

Beauty Organizers To Put On Your Radar

January 17, 2023

Best Beauty Organizers Umbra Bellwood Organizer Tower

I’m back with a beauty organization roundup! Keeping all my beauty products organized has definitely been an ongoing challenge over the years. So many of you have asked for a beauty organization post wondering how I store all my beauty products and the short answer is I’m still figuring it all out.

Beauty Organization How to Clean Diptyque Jars

I’ve loved and used the Ikea Alex Drawers, Billy Bookcases, a number of larger acrylic beauty boxes, Muji acrylic organizers, things from The Container Store and Amazon – you name it! I still store things in the Ikea Alex Drawers (tall and wide ones). The best large acrylic beauty containers I’ve found unfortunately are from brands that are no longer around (like the Original Beauty Box and Glamboxes). I also love repurposing the Diptyque candle jars to hold pencils, mascaras, brushes, pens etc.

The main problem I’ve found with the large storage units whether it’s an acrylic box or large drawer unit is that if anything is stacked or put in a drawer out of sight it gets neglected. While I couldn’t possibly use up everything in my stash I still like to rotate things. Having a nice display or smaller organizers helps me edit my current rotation to keep certain things top of mind.

Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansers

A lot of these are organizers are great to store my daily must-haves or go-to’s like foundations, concealers etc. and keeps them within easy reach too! If you’re looking for organizers that won’t break the bank and that will keep things somewhat edited this post is for you!

Umbra Organizers

Umbra Glam Cosmetic Organizer ($25) is a really nice affordable option. By this time I’ve tried a few of the Umbra organizers and think they’re well made. This Glam organizer comes in a white option and they also have it in a different configuration for Hair Tools. You can find it at a number of places like Umbra, Nordstrom, West Elm, Amazon.

See the Umbra Glam organizer in action here.

Umbra Glam Organizer via The Beauty Lookbook

_______

Umbra Cascada Cosmetic Organizer ($25, available at Umbra, Amazon, West Elm)* is another style with a spinning base. It can also double as an organizer for office supplies on your desk. The compartments are on the narrower side so it won’t fit larger bottles of perfume or skin care, but it’s great to store and display other beauty items.

See the Cascada Organizer in action here.

Umbra Cascada Organizer via The Beauty Lookbook

_______

Bellwood Organizer ($45)* is another one from Umbra. This is super easy to assemble and is great for small spaces. Looks clean and streamlined. They also make a matching Caddy ($25).

Best Beauty Organizers Umbra Bellwood Organizer Tower

Shop Umbra Storage Solutions

 

 

_______

Target

Target Acrylic Round Desktop Organizer - Project 62

I recently made a Target run and found quite a few organizing options. They have a great storage system with different size bins in their Brightroom Collection. I bought quite a few to organize products. The only downside is that it can get a bit expensive to design the exact configuration you want.

Target Project 62 Acrylic Round Desktop Organizer ($15 each) is a spinning organizer designed for the office but also works for beauty products! It’s a small-medium size which means it won’t take up a huge amount of space on your vanity, counter or desk. Measures about 7.98 inches wide and 7.26 inches tall.

See it in action here.

Target Brightroom Bathroom Spinning Turntable ($25) is another one I picked up. I haven’t used this one yet as it’s on the larger side and takes up quite a bit of room. It measures 10.9 inches wide 5 inches deep and it’s pretty good quality. You can probably find similar options on Amazon for less. They also carry a 2-tier spinner with dividers.

Shop Target Storage Solutions

 

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Acrylic Spinning Desktop Organizer

Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Teen both have a great selection of organizers for the desk and bathroom. They have a lot of gorgeous solid lacquered wood organizers and towers. They are on the expensive side but one that caught my eye is the Pottery Barn Acrylic Home Office Lazy Susan (on sale for $47.99 and with code EXTRA for 20% off clearance). This is an even smaller organizer measuring 7 inches in diameter and 7.5 inches tall. It’s pricey for what it is but well-constructed and good quality.

Pottery Barn, West Elm and PB Teen Solutions

 

Amazon Finds

Amazon Beauty Organizer Review Beauty Lookbook

There are so many options Amazon! I ordered a Rotating Makeup Organizer ($28.98) a while ago and really like it. The quality could be better as it’s a really lightweight plastic but I like the size and it works. There are moveable shelves that are easy to adjust. Makes it convenient to customize! The downside with having that much surface area is that it does tend to collect dust and debris, but that is the case with pretty much everything.

See it in action here.

_______

I really like the mDesign boxes with a hinged lid. They come in a clear and cream version. Love that they’re stackable but since I want to be able to see things I try not to go crazy with the stacking. I keep my lash curlers, cotton and mini perfumes in these but the options are endless! They also have these in wider or taller configurations.

mDesign Plastic Storage Boxes

_______

I also picked up a couple of the Spice Racks which make for a nice display. They are very lightweight but it’s functional and I like they way they look. There are a few configurations including a Corner Rack you can put together side by side if you want a wider display.

See the display in action here.

Amazon Spice Racks Beauty Display

_______

Also really like these Tiered Riser Shelves to display and store perfumes.

Tiered Acrylic Stand Amazon

Shop my Amazon Finds

 

_______

Ikea Finds

Best Makeup to Shop During the Sephora Sale

Ikea Godmorgon Storage Box

I’ve featured the Ikea Godmorgan Box ($22.99) a few times in the past and mine has still held up after 5+ years. Mine is a clear version which they don’t make anymore. The current one has a slightly smoky tint but the design is still the same. This is a nice larger style box and is compatible with a lot of their bathroom drawers. Some of the inserts are removable too.

The same Godmorgan Line also has a Mini 2-Drawer Chest ($14.99) and Box Set with Lids ($17.99).

See it in action here.

_______

Muji Acrylic Pieces

Modern California Loft | The Beauty Look Book

Last but not least a quick shout out for Muji. They make some of the best acrylic storage. I own lots from them and the acrylic is very well made. I’ve owned some for 10+ years and they still look as good as the day I got them. There are some light scratches but considering the amount of use they’ve gone through it’s very durable.

The above photo is from my older home office when we lived in San Diego. I still have 5 Drawer Units (I stacked them 2 high) these but they’re in a beauty closet. Also available in other configurations and depths like the 3 Drawer Unit.

This mini 3 Tiered Stand is also from Muji. It holds a small amount of things but makes for a cute mini display!

Muji Acrylic 3 Tier Stand

Yamakazi Home

Diptyque Candle Repurpose and Yamakazi Home Caddy Storage

Also thanks to one of my readers who commented below Yamakazi Home makes great storage solutions. Especially for small spaces. Andrew has a few of their stands (one in his bathroom). I also love their Bath Caddy (small and large) and just ordered a Rolling Bathroom Cart.

A few more options rounded up below!

Beauty Organizers

1 tower / 2 caddy / 3 boxes with lid / 4 small caddy / 5 half moon box / 6 spinning tower / 7 acrylic spinner / 8 rack / 9 Five-drawer / 10 gold & marble spinner / 11 three tier stand / 12 clear box / 13 smoked box / 14 small desktop spinner / 15 larger spinner

 

What are your favorite beauty organizers? Do you have smaller organizers? A large one? Several large ones? Would love to hear about your favorite finds!

 

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom Skincare

New Year Skincare Refresh

January 9, 2023

New Year Skincare Refresh with Nordstrom Beauty

Happy New Year! Starting the year out with a skincare roundup. I’ve gone through a skincare refresh and reset the past few weeks and today I’m sharing what I’ve restocked and love from Nordstrom. They carry most of the brands I use on a regular basis and I’ve added a few new things to my routine this month.

New Year Skincare Refresh with Nordstrom Beauty

Cleanser

Best Cleansers Kate Somerville, La Mer, Dior and Sisley

I always love trying different cleansers and just finished using quite a few in the last few weeks. I restocked my three favorites. The Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash is one of best for sensitive skin but still very effective at cleaning the skin. If I had to use one brand of cleanser the rest of my life I think Kate Somerville would cover all my needs. The ExfoliKate Cleanser is a great one with a gentle clinical strength exfoliating ingredients. The Goat Milk Cleanser is great for dry skin and I love the EradiKate Daily Cleanser for acne prone skin.

La Mer’s Cleansing Foam is another favorite I love for a silky creamy foam. It has a gentle spa like scent but doesn’t irritate my skin. Leaves it squeaky clean and soft.

Dior’s La Mousse Off/On Foaming Face cleanser is another great one if you have normal/combination skin. A little goes a long way and skin feels fresh with this one. This is my third tube!

I love a good acid exfoliator to help resurface skin and get rid of dead skin cells but sometimes having a gentle exfoliant is nice to have on hand. I’ve had my eye on the Sisley Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for some time and decided to splurge. It’s a powder exfoliant that’s activated with water. It turns into a creamy mask you apply and massage to the skin. Leave it on for 1 minute then rinse. It far exceeded my expectations! Skin is left smooth and clean but not stripped. 100% love. It’s called a mask but to me it’s a cleanser + mask in one.

I also highly recommend trying the Eve Lom Muslin Cleansing Cloths. They’re designed for the Eve Lom Cleansing Balm, but I use the cloths for any cleanser. Helps to gently exfoliate the skin, ensure all your cleanser is removed and improve blood circulation. I notice my complexion is a lot clearer and smoother when I use cloths consistently.

Toner

La Mer Tonic Toner

For toners I restocked my tried and true La Mer The Tonic. This is one of the best ones I’ve tried for any time of year to rebalance, refresh and tone my skin. Doesn’t leave a film and one of the few that doesn’t irritate my skin. 100% worth the splurge!

Moisturizer

La Mer Moisturizing Soft Lotion

For moisturizers I’m rotating a few right now including the La Mer Moisturizing Soft Lotion and Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel. Both are good for sensitive skin. La Mer has a wide range of moisturizers and creams for different skin types, my favorite has been the Moisturizing Soft Lotion because it’s light weight but still very hydrating.

The Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel is one of my favorite sensitive skin creams. It has 10 ingredients selected for sensitive skin. I like that it’s unscented and has a cream formula but comes with a pump dispenser.

Two sunscreens I’ve been loving are the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer with SPF 50 and the Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 40. Both apply nicely on the skin. I was really impressed with the Charlotte Tilbury one. I used it on my trip last month and it worked exceptionally well to protect my skin in Miami.

Moisturizer and SPF Kate Somerville, Chanel, La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury

Treatments and Masks

111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Face Mask

For sheet masks my two favorites are the 111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Face Mask and La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask. I restocked the 111Skin this month. It’s a bio cellulose mask and helps hydrate and reduce fine lines. This has been one of my go-to’s for years (even loved the original formula) and one I keep splurging on.

NuFace revamped their Trinity+ and Mini+ devices. I received the Mini+ Starter Kit over the holiday and can’t wait to see the longer term results with it. I have several areas on my face that could benefit from the lifting effects of microcurrents. If you’ve tried any of the new devices let me know what you think!

NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit new version

Hand/Body

Jo Malone Vitamin E Nourishing Hand Treatment

I picked up Jo Malone Vitamin E Nourishing Hand Treatment which is an ultra rich creamy hand cream. I used it in the past and don’t remember why I never restocked. It’s super luxurious and I highly recommend checking it out. For body I really love the Necessaire Body Oil. It’s unscented, thick, absorbs nicely, hydrates – love that it doesn’t have any added fragrance so it won’t interfere with my perfume. I have a mini from a holiday bundle but just ordered the full size to keep on my nightstand.

New Year Skincare Refresh Haul

That wraps up my skincare refresh for the new year! What are you using right now? Any new skin care loves or rediscoveries?

Shop the Post

 

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites

Best of 2022 Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance + More

January 2, 2023

Best Makeup Sephora Sale

Happy New Year! Rounding up the best of 2022 with my Top 5 picks in every beauty category! There are a couple of categories I went a bit over but here were my absolute favorites this year. Thank you for following along this year! Wishing you all an even better 2023!

Foundation/Concealer

Patrick Ta Major Skin Creme Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo Light Medium 2

I love a natural looking base that can hold up to the Florida heat and humidity. I had so many favorites I tried this year but here were my top five:

Blush

Gucci Beauty Luminous Matte Beauty Blush

Top blush products of the year:

Bronzer/Highlighters

Chanel Les Beiges Oversize Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powders

Favorite bronzers and highlighters of the year:

Eye Makeup

Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige 2022

I could probably have a list of at least 20 eye makeup favorites! Trying to keep my list super edited to the items I used the most this year:

Brow/Mascara

Lipstick

Sisley Phyto-Rouge Shine Refillable Lipstick Review

Best lipsticks this year:

Lip Gloss

Hermesistible Infused Lip Care Oil Review

Favorite lip glosses of the year:

Lip Liner

Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Pencils

Best formulas I wore the most this year:

Perfume

My favorites this year and one new discovery I hauled a week ago:

Hair Care

Oribe Home & Away Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Skin Care: Cleansers

 

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm with Charcoal

Best cleansers of the year:

Moisturizers

Augustinus Bader The Cream

Masks/Treatments

Sunday Riley Good Genes

Nails/Hand

Chanel La Base Camelia andL’Huile Camelia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil

Hand care essentials this year:

Cavapoo Puppy 12 Weeks Ollie

This year my #1 favorite though was Ollie. It’s been a full year now since we lost Lucy and my heart was so broken I thought it would never be whole again. The pain of losing a loved one was so intense I didn’t think I could ever get another dog but as soon as Andrew said, “I think we should get another one,” I instantly said yes. We found Ollie and picked him up in March. Our lives and hearts have been filled with joy. It makes me so happy that Kitty finally warmed up to the new pup in the house and even happier that they actually play together.

Thank you for following along on here and on social! Looking forward to a brand new year!